Description/History
In 1955, Venice Hongwanji Dharma School activities were established. Reverend Shoki Mohri from the Betsuin with the assistance of Mrs. Sumiye Watari gathered twelve students at the Fukushima residence for the first service. The first Dharma School Superintendent was Walter Kitagawa. Throughout the years, Dharma School locations have changed from the original temple, to the Venice Japanese Community Center (during the time of renovation), and then back to the temple site.
Dharma School classes are held weekly following Sunday morning services for students ranging from pre-school through high school age. There is also a Buddhist Education Committee that holds Buddhist education sessions for adults.
Membership Information:
To enroll Dharma School, just visit us at the temple for Dharma School service beginning at 9:30 AM on Sundays. (Please refer to the Dharma School Calendar for a detailed schedule.) Ask for the superintendent or any Dharma School teacher to assist you.
2011-2012 Dharma School Class Assignments:
| Grade | Teacher | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | Mie Ino Gail Yoneda Katie Rosengrant |
Lobby |
| Kinder/1st/2nd | Julia Ueda Judy Hopfield Tyson Amano |
Social Hall |
| 3rd/4th | Jayme Heyl Kelsey Ueda |
Back of Hondo |
| 5th/6th | Janis Ozaki Brett Morimoto |
Back of Hondo |
| 7th/8th | Emily Kariya | Side Room |
| High School | Richard Modiano | Side Room-1st Sunday |
Basic Curriculum Overview
“Namo Amida Butsu”
~Thank You For Saving Me~
| Grade: | Topics: |
|---|---|
| Preschool/Kindergarten | * Introduction to gratitude. |
| 1st/2nd | * Continuation of gratitude. * Amida embraces all of us. |
| 3rd/4th | * Introduction to the concept of suffering. * Introduction to the 18th primal vow. |
| 5th/6th | * 4 Noble Truths * 8 Fold Path * 6 Paramitas |
| 7th/8th (Middle School) | * 18th Primal Vow * Life of Shinran Shonin * Rennyo Shonin |
| 9th-12th (High School) | * Nichijoseikatsu (Everyday Living) |
DHARMA SCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please see the Temple Calendar for the most up to date Dharma School happenings!
| Date | Event | Time | MC/Oshoko Rep |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | |||
| 8th | Staff Meeting (5th/6th) Dharma School Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
5th/6th |
| 15th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | High School |
| 22nd | Hoonko Service @ Gardena Buddhist Church | 9:30 am | Oshoko: Super. |
| 29th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | 7th/8th |
| February | |||
| 5th | Staff Meeting (7th/8th) Scout Sunday Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
Preschool |
| 12th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | Kinder/1st/2nd |
| 19th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | 3rd/4th |
| 26th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | 5th/6th |
| March | |||
| 4th | Staff Meeting (High School/Support Staff) Dharma School Service NO CLASS (Sushi Sale) |
8:00 am
9:30 am |
7th/8th |
| 11th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | High School |
| 18th | DS Breakfast Dharma School Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
Preschool |
| 25th | Spring Ohigan & Group Class | 10:00am | Oshoko: K/1st/2nd |
| April | |||
| 1st | Staff Meeting (Preschool) Dharma School Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
3rd/4th |
| 8th | Hanamatsuri/ Hatsumairi Service (Bukkyokai) | 10:00am | Oshoko: 5th/6th |
| 15th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | 7th/8th |
| 22nd | Dharma School Service NO CLASS (ABA Breakfast) |
9:30 am | High School |
| 29th | Dharma School Service and Class | 9:30 am | Preschool |
| May | |||
| 6th | Staff Meeting (Kinder/1st/2nd) Dharma School Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
Kinder/1st/2nd |
| 13th | Mother’s Day Service, Group Class & Lunch | 10:00am | 3rd/4th |
| 20th | Gotanye Service (Bukkyokai) | 10:00am | Oshoko: 7th/8th |
| 27th | Memorial Day – No Service & Class | ||
| June | |||
| 3rd | Staff Meeting (3rd/4th) Dharma School Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
5th/6th |
| 10th | Dharma School Service and Class DS Picnic |
9:30 am 11:30am |
High School |
| 17th | Dads & Grads Service & Group Class | 10:00am | Preschool |
| 24th | VJCC Natsumatsuri – No Service & Class | ||
| July | |||
| 1st | Staff Meeting (5th/6th) Pet Memorial Service and Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
Kinder/1st/2nd |
| 8th | Obon/Hatsubon Service (Bukkyokai) | 10:00am | Oshoko: 3rd/4th |
| 15th | Obon Festival – No Service & Class | ||
| 22nd | DS Breakfast Dharma School “Kids’ Service” & Class |
8:00 am 9:30 am |
5th/6th |
| 29th | LABCC Camp – No Service & Class | ||